Last Mile Delivery Drone Research Project

Last Mile Delivery Drone Research Project, ADAMS Lab

Technology
Python, Kivy Library, UI

Timeline
Summer 2023 (May 2023 – August 2023)

Role
Research Assistant (and occasional drone pilot 🙂)

Location
ADAMS Lab, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, US

**Picture of Last Mile Delivery Drone (DJI F450)**

Credential Verified by University at Buffalo (see certification)

Overview

The Last Mile Delivery Drone research project, mentored by Souma Chowdhury, aims to enhance urban delivery efficiency using drones, integrating simulation and real-flight data to solve logistical challenges.

I led a three-person to develop initial version of the robust Python app for FPV drone flight, using the Kivy library for the GUI and OpenCV for camera feed processing.

I also led implementation of multiprocessing to handle real-time drone data via Pymavlink without lag and collaborated on experiments at UB’s SOAR facility.

Context

My role was pivotal in advancing our research project’s goal of refining last-mile delivery solutions. By leading the development of a Python application prototype for FPV drone flight, I enabled real-time, intuitive control and navigation of delivery drones, critical for further research into navigating complex urban environments.

My work on multiprocessing ensured seamless, lag-free operation, essential for the drone’s reliable performance during delivery tasks.

Project Outcome

Our project’s outcome is a well-documented Aviation Technical Paper (Work in Progress) to the Co-Located 2024 AIAA AVIATION Forum and 2024 ASCEND titled “An Open-source Hardware/Software Architecture and Supporting Simulation Environment to Perform Human FPV Flight Demonstrations for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Autonomy”.

This paper underscores our project’s potential impact on drone-based delivery systems and urban sustainability.